Last weekend I went apple picking with my family at Silverman's Farm in Connecticut. We have been going there since I was a kid, when we would all stand by and watch as the apple press squeezed the juice out of freshly-picked apples, and would get to sample the delicious result of apple cider. Unfortunately the apple press has been retired; it is now located inside the market as a symbolic relic from the past. Because of new production standards, the farm no longer offers unpasteurized cider made on the premises, but instead pasteurizes and bottles its cider off site.

The orchards are currently laden with apples ready for picking. Pickers are taken up to the orchards by tractors running nonstop. Everywhere you look there are families with young kids, groups of friends, and those who come every year. The apples are great this year; however, they are ripening faster than usual. Go now before all the apples have fallen off the trees and bring home a bag of apples.

Here is the large bag of apples we bought. Small bags costs $15 and this large bag was $28. You fill the bag up with the apples you pick. The farm does institute a rule: at least two people per small bag.

Silverman's is most popular for its pick-your-own peaches and apples and apple cider, but it is also known for its animal farm petting zoo, florist, and farm market, which sells freshly-baked goods along with already picked fruits. The farm also has a pumpkin patch in October and pre-cut Christmas trees in December. As apple-picking season soon winds down, pumpkin season has just begun. Silverman's offers a great deal for those who guess the weight of a pumpkin: have it for free.